Mr. C. Oyesiku

HC Deb 05 March 1964 vol 690 cc1506-7

18. Mr. Reynolds

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department why there was no police prosecution against the alleged assailant of Mr. C. Oyesiku of 26, Fonthill Road, London, N.4, who suffered injuries as a result of an assault on 13th October, 1963.

Mr. Woodhouse

It is entirely a matter for the Commissioner of Police to decide whether there should be a police prosecution in any particular case arising in the Metropolitan Police District.

Mr. Reynolds

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that two years ago my constituent was run over by a motor van, that he reported the accident to the police, that investigations were made and that then all records were promptly lost? Is he aware that when my constituent took private action for damages, it was found that the driver of the motor car had no licence but had not been prosecuted? Is he further aware that in the assault case my constituent suffered a broken nose, a split rib, and was under medical care for three weeks, receiving far greater injuries than did Christine Keeler?

Is he further aware that when my constituent's car was bashed into when it was stationary by the side of the road, my constituent was summoned for assaulting the police and using foul language? Is he further aware that my constituent has three times in six months been stopped when in his car, forced to show his driving-licence, and asked who the white woman was who was sitting next to him? Will the Under-Secretary carry out an inquiry into all the things I have just mentioned, because this seems to be too much of a coincidence to be true?

Mr. Woodhouse

I have much sympathy with the hon. Member's constituent in the events recounted by the hon. Member, some of which were new to me, but the fact remains that the responsibility for prosecution, which is what the Question is about, rests with the Commissioner.

Mr. Reynolds

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the Minister's reply, I beg to give notice that I shall seek to raise the matter again at the earliest possible opportunity.